Can You Get a Girlfriend in GTA 4? Your Complete Guide to Dating in Liberty City
Yes, you absolutely can get a girlfriend in Grand Theft Auto IV! This mechanic, which allows Niko Bellic to pursue romantic relationships, was a welcomed return from San Andreas, adding a layer of social interaction and personal life to the game’s gritty narrative. Dating in GTA 4 isn’t just a superficial side activity; it can actually impact your gameplay, offering a break from the criminal underworld and providing unique benefits. Let’s delve into the details of how dating works in GTA 4, who you can date, and what to expect from these relationships.
Dating Mechanics in GTA 4
Unlike some modern games where romance options are heavily integrated into the main story, GTA 4 offers a more player-driven approach to relationships. Once you complete the mission “Out of the Closet” for Brucie Kibbutz, the online dating world opens up for Niko. You can access the in-game internet on your phone and browse two websites: love-meet.net and craplist.net.
Finding Your Matches
- love-meet.net: This site features profiles of women looking for dates. You can find profiles with names like “SoBoHoe” (Carmen) and “LawChick” (Kiki).
- craplist.net: Here you can browse a more varied selection of people and profiles. One of the most notable matches here is “LiberatedWoman” (Alex).
After contacting a woman through one of these websites, it usually takes between 12 and 24 in-game hours for her to email you back, setting up the time and location for your first date. This information will be added to the organizer in Niko’s phone. It’s important to be on time for your dates, though missing one is not the end of the world. You can always try again later.
The Dating Process
Dating in GTA 4 involves going on various activities with your girlfriend. These can range from going to restaurants and bars, catching a show, or even going bowling. The key to a successful relationship is to keep your girlfriend happy. If you ignore her calls, stand her up for dates, or consistently choose boring activities, she may eventually break up with you. Each successful date will increase your relationship status with her, unlocking new perks as you get closer. However, be aware that not all girlfriends are created equal; some provide more practical benefits than others. For instance, some may give you free clothing, while others might offer different perks.
Key Female Characters You Can Date
There are five main women you can date in GTA 4:
- Michelle: Introduced during the main storyline, becoming available after “Three’s a Crowd.”
- Kate: Also introduced through the story, becoming a dateable option after “Waste Not Want Knots.”
- Carmen (SoBoHoe): Found on love-meet.net.
- Kiki (LawChick): Also found on love-meet.net.
- Alex (LiberatedWoman): Found on craplist.net.
Relationship Impact and Consequences
While the romantic relationships in GTA 4 might not be as integral to the story as in other games, they provide some great benefits. Getting to know your girlfriends gives you access to specific perks, like unlocking unique outfits, saving money on taxis, and more. It’s worth noting that most relationships will run their course by the end of the game, especially if you choose the “Revenge” ending.
The Unfortunate Case of Kate
Kate McReary, a fan-favorite character, plays a crucial role in the story. Regardless of whether you choose the Deal or Revenge ending, you cannot continue dating her after the game concludes. If you choose the “Deal” ending, she breaks up with you for “selling out.” In the “Revenge” ending, tragically, she dies, making it impossible to continue any further romantic engagement with her.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. Are relationships important in GTA 4?
While not vital for progressing the main story, maintaining good relationships with both your girlfriends and your friends in GTA 4 unlocks special perks and rewards. These rewards can range from unlocking new clothing to receiving helpful in-game assistance, like discounted taxi rides.
2. Can you get married in GTA 4?
No, Niko cannot get married in GTA 4. However, Roman does get married to Mallorie in the “Revenge” ending, and this event is a significant part of the game’s final act.
3. What happens if you miss a date in GTA 4?
It’s not a major issue if you miss a date. The girl you were scheduled to date will become available on the website again after a couple of in-game days.
4. Does GTA 4 have two endings?
Yes, the game has two distinct endings: the “Deal” ending and the “Revenge” ending. Each choice leads to a different conclusion and has different consequences for the characters you meet throughout the game.
5. Can you still date Kate after beating the game?
Unfortunately, no. Kate’s fate is sealed at the end of the game, either by breaking up with Niko if you chose the “Deal” ending or by dying if you chose the “Revenge” ending. This makes it impossible to continue your relationship with her post-game.
6. How do you date in GTA 4?
Dating is set up using your phone to access love-meet.net and craplist.net. After contacting a woman, she will email you within 12-24 in-game hours to set up a date.
7. What happens to Niko Bellic after GTA 4?
An Easter egg in the game reveals that Niko continues working for Roman’s taxi company, which shows they are both still alive. However, he does not make an appearance in subsequent Grand Theft Auto games.
8. Which GTA games allow you to get a girlfriend?
Grand Theft Auto IV and San Andreas are notable for offering more in-depth dating mechanics. In GTA 5, player characters do not have consistent girlfriends, but they can have conjugal visits.
9. What are the names of all the girlfriends you can get in GTA 4?
The girlfriends you can date are: Michelle, Kate, Carmen (SoBoHoe), Kiki (LawChick), and Alex (LiberatedWoman).
10. Is GTA 4 story better than GTA 5?
Many fans and critics argue that GTA 4’s story is more profound and memorable than GTA 5’s, pointing to the darker themes and more compelling character development.
11. Why is GTA 4 considered better than GTA 5?
While GTA 5 is technically more advanced, GTA 4 is praised for its realistic physics, more profound storyline, and challenging gameplay. The narrative is often considered more emotionally resonant than that of GTA 5.
12. Who is Niko Bellic’s wife?
Niko does not get married. However, Roman marries Mallorie, who has a last name, Bardas-Bellic.
13. Can you kiss your dates in GTA 4?
No, GTA 4 does not offer a kissing animation or interaction with your girlfriends. You simply go on dates and try to increase your relationship status through activities.
14. Can you have multiple girlfriends at once in GTA 4?
Yes, you can date multiple girlfriends simultaneously in GTA 4. However, it’s important to manage your relationships to keep them all happy, as neglecting a girlfriend for too long could lead to a breakup.
15. Is it worth dating in GTA 4?
Yes! Dating provides a break from the main story, offering enjoyable activities and the unique perks and benefits each girlfriend offers. It’s a great way to immerse yourself further in the game.